On behalf of the Municipality of Kujalleq, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all investments that can help foster development and create new opportunities in South Greenland.
Yesterday’s announcement of the strengthened partnership between the EU, Greenland, and Denmark, along with the new investment package of 200 million euros, sends an important signal that there is international interest in Greenland and our opportunities. The investments cover a wide range of areas, from energy and natural resources to education, housing, tourism, fisheries, and digital infrastructure.
That’s a positive development. But we also need to be prepared for the changes that will follow.
In South Greenland, we are on the cusp of a historic development. We are looking toward a future in which the mining industry could create thousands of new jobs, both directly and indirectly, and in which we could potentially have three active mines in the region.
It takes more than just the mines themselves.
We need more energy. We need better infrastructure and digital connectivity. We need education and skills development so that our own citizens have the opportunity to take part in the many new jobs that are being created. And, not least, we need housing.
If people are to choose South Greenland as their workplace, as their home, and as the place where their children will grow up, then we must be able to offer them a proper environment.
That is why I am particularly pleased that housing has been incorporated into the new partnership. Housing is essential to our ability to attract and retain the workforce needed for our development.
But we must also ensure that this development benefits the people who already live here.
For the Municipality of Kujalleq, the goal is therefore to create cohesion between business development, education, housing, daycare centers, schools, health care, infrastructure, and a strong local community.
Our security is your security, which is why we shouldn’t be afraid to invest.
We must be ambitious, responsible, and prepared to set standards so that these investments create long-term value for Greenland and, above all, for the local communities where development is taking place.
In the Municipality of Kujalleq, we are ready for dialogue.
We would like to be an active partner for Naalakkersuisut, Denmark, the EU, and companies interested in investing in South Greenland
For me, it’s not about who comes first.
It’s about what we can create together for the next generation.
Malene Vahl Rasmussen,
Mayor of the Municipality of Kujalleq.
